2020 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau

This amazing Chateauneuf-du-Pape squares the circle of southern richness and spring-like freshness in spite of coming from a very warm and dry vintage. The stony minerality, saltiness and dried flower character wind together to form a dynamic whole, driving this gracefully across the palate. But I must also mention the savory and licorice richness that is so deftly wrapped around them. Very long, salty and velvety finish. Drink or hold.

Flowers and cherries with a touch of spice form the core of the wine. On the palate. there is softness and elegance that you feel instantly. The fruit is polished, silky and elegant with a purity to the fruit on the mid-palate and in the finish. Produced from a blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault, along with other, assorted red and white grape varieties. 60-70% of the harvest is destemmed. Drink from 2023-2037.

The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape also showed well, with a lighter, elegant style that still brings plenty of intensity. Black cherries, mulberries, dried violets, and loamy earth define the bouquet, and it's medium-bodied, balanced, and finesse-driven on the palate, with ripe tannins as well as a terrific sense of salinity on the finish. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 15+.